How do I get from Palermo to Catania to attend an Etna tour?

Most of our customers who stay in Palermo use the SAIS Autolinee bus service to travel to Catania. It is a comfortable, affordable, and reliable option that connects the two cities directly.

• Official website: www.saisautolinee.it
• Departure stop: Piazza Cairoli, Palermo (close to Palermo Central Railway Station)
• Arrival stop: Via D'Amico 181, Catania (close to Catania Central Railway Station)
• Journey time: approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic

Step-by-step instructions

1. Visit the SAIS Autolinee website to check the current timetable and book your ticket in advance, especially during busy periods.
2. Make your way to Piazza Cairoli in Palermo. If you are travelling from another part of the city, Palermo Central Railway Station is nearby and well served by local buses and taxis.
3. Allow yourself enough time before departure to purchase your ticket at the bus station counter or validate a pre-booked ticket.
4. Board the SAIS bus to Catania and enjoy the journey.
5. Alight at Via D'Amico 181 in Catania, from where you can reach your Etna tour meeting point by taxi or local bus.

Important tips

• Timetables are subject to change — always check the SAIS website for the most up-to-date departure times before you travel.
• To make it comfortably to your Etna tour, we recommend catching an early morning bus. Most Etna tours depart from Catania between 08:00 and 09:00, so aim for a bus that arrives in Catania with at least 30–45 minutes to spare.
• Buses can fill up quickly in summer. Booking your seat online in advance is strongly recommended during peak season (June–September).
• If the SAIS bus does not fit your schedule, Trenitalia trains also connect Palermo and Catania, though journey times are longer (approximately 3.5 hours). Check www.trenitalia.com for options.

If you are unsure which bus to take or need help planning your journey around your Etna tour start time, please contact us and we will be happy to advise you.